‘Do you think I was a bit hard on him Johnboy?’ I asked as we were on our way to Matildas.
‘Not at all lass, I had a feeling Harry A was guiding you, am I right?’
‘You know me too well; it was as if he was in the room with us.’
‘Does he visit you?’
‘In my dreams and at times like today, when I feel he’s almost speaking for me.’
‘Harry A was a legend; he only wants what is best for you. He’s watching your back even now.’
The thought of my dad taking care of me brought a lump to my throat, I miss him so much….However he left me in a position of trust and I know I have to stay strong. Johnboy pulled up outside of Matildas flat, I took a deep breath, as I didn’t want to dampen the mood of the visit to our treasured friend. Matilda gave me a key to her flat some time ago, although I would never use it unless I felt she was in some kind of danger. As Johnboy lifted the brass knocker, the door opened straight away. As always she’d been watching out for the van. We both received a welcoming hug, and as we removed our coats Matilda said in her most cordial voice. ‘Now sit yourselves down and dinner will be ready in minutes.’
‘I’ll come and help.’ I said with concern as I pushed my chair back.
‘No sit still, I’ll go as I have a feeling a very large saucepan could be involved.’ Johnboy gave me one of his knowing grins as he followed Matilda into the kitchen.
Within minutes he was wheeling in the trolley, heavily laden with steaming dishes. Matilda followed carrying three plates wrapped in a tea cloth.
‘Shall I be mum?’ I offered laughing.
We all tucked in to Matildas famous mutton stew, she never ceases to amaze me how she manages to produce such tasty meals. I’m sure even Patsy would be in awe of her cooking.
‘So how is Ava getting on lass?’ Matilda asked with concern.
‘There’s still no change Matilda, although it appears I’m the only one in the family who is anxious, that’s apart from Fred, however he doesn’t voice his opinion to the others. Archie is so euphoric at having mum back that the thought of questioning her is beyond his apprehension. Patsy and Brita feel she’ll speak if she wants to.’ I explained. ‘Gosh Matilda these dumplings are delicious.’
Matilda ladled more stew onto the plates. ‘I can tell you’re not of the same opinion girl.’
‘Absolutely not, I need to know how she suffered at that evil mans hands, I believe she knows a great deal of what took place in the 1950’s, there is more to this than meets the eye, and I won’t rest until the truth is revealed.’
‘What response do you have when you ask her?’ Matilda probed. ‘Does she say anything?’
‘She just smiles and squeezes my hand. However I stayed at the house for a couple of nights recently, and when I was going to bed I heard voices and noticed her bedroom door was slightly ajar. I stood and listened, she was speaking to somebody so I peered through the tiny opening of the door. I could see my father was sitting on the bed, he was so clear to me.’
‘Could you hear the conversation?’ Matilda asked cautiously.
‘No just whispers, I was tempted to go in, although I knew that would be wrong.’
‘Can you help Matilda?’ Johnboy asked with concern.
‘You have to bring Ava to me, you both know that’s the only way I can help her.’
‘I know, however convincing her to leave the security of the house will be tough. Archie spends all of his spare time with mum; Brita reads to her for hours and rarely leaves her side. And Patsy is more attentive than a personal nurse. Fred is the only one who’ll understand, I need to speak to him and see what he suggests.’ I added thoughtfully. ‘Will you come with me today Johnboy? Ava has become very fond of you and we could speak to Fred first.’
‘No Problem girl we’ll go after this delicious meal.’ Johnboy held out his plate as Matilda ladled yet another generous helping of stew onto his plate.
For a few moments we all ate in silence, deep in thought, my thoughts were with my mother and how I could persuade her to leave the security of the Hampstead home…..
As Crimson and Johnboy left the flat Matilda reflected on the problems with Ava. She was aware that Ava’s mother Brita, thought of her as a witch, although she doubts Crimson is mindful of this. However Harry A was in contact with Matilda in the spirit world, and he’d assured her that he’d spoken to Ava, convincing her that she had nothing to fear. Matilda only wanted what was best for Crimson; nevertheless she knew that once again the lass was in danger, after the recent visit from the objectionable Stan Weaver. She was spending her young life searching for truths, first for her mother’s ‘killer,’ and now the need to know what happened in the 1950’s, as she is sure Ava holds all of the answers. Ava is deeply afraid to speak of her incarceration for fear of recriminations from evil George, which would endanger the life of her precious daughter. Matilda knows if she can speak to Ava alone, she believes she will learn the truth. However getting Ava away from the Hampstead house and the family could prove challenging….
Chapter 2
‘What do you think?’ I asked Johnboy as we were approaching the house.
‘The problem lies with your grandmother Brita, unless you can arrange for her to spend a day away.’ He replied.
‘Matilda will need more than a day with mum Johnboy.’ I said thoughtfully. ‘In fact we need Brita to return to Sweden to sort out her affairs, it’s the only way.’
‘Do you think she’ll respond to that lass?’
‘She has to return at some point, she needs to decide if she’s going to sell her property in Sweden, or rent maybe. She has to make a long term plan. You know the house she shared with my granddad Eddie Jackson is still vacant.’
‘Surely there must be debts involved in that property?’ Johnboy probed.
‘No, she’s been paying all the necessary bills, there’s no mortgage, even though she hasn’t set foot inside the house for years. She even employs a gardener.’
‘She sounds as though she’s uncertain about her future, don’t you agree?’ Johnboy suggested.
‘Absolutely, in fact my mother could have been the last person to visit the house, unless my dad went there. You see after Eddie, my grand father went on the missing list I know dad dealt with the scrap yard, he handed the keys over to Eddie’s brother Dougie, so possibly he was the last person to lock the property up.’
‘Let’s see if we can speak to Fred lass, he’s sure to have ideas on the subject.’
Fred greeted us as we entered the house. ‘It’s good to see you two this evening.’ He said with a smile. ‘Archie’s working in the office and the ladies are watching television, well your mum and Patsy are, your grandma Brita is taking a bath as she’s not a fan of television.’
‘I’ll go and join the ladies then Fred.’ Johnboy said with a grin.
‘You’re looking troubled sweetheart, come and tell me what’s bothering you.’ Fred suggested.
I sat at the kitchen table with Fred; this lovely man had known me all my life and had been my father’s closest friend. I knew he was the only one in the house who would understand my concerns. ‘I need to take mum to meet Matilda, she’s the only person who’ll break mum’s silence. I’m aware of Grandma Brita’s feeling towards Matilda, which we both know is totally unfounded, nevertheless I have to find a way. Do you have any ideas?’
‘Maybe I could suggest a day out with Patsy, to the West End.’
‘No good Fred it has to be for longer than a day, has she mentioned returning to Sweden to sort out her affairs?’
‘I’ve heard her mention returning, although nothing has been set in stone.’
‘If I question her I’m afraid that will arouse suspicion. However, on the other hand if it came from you.’ I grinned hopefully.
‘I’ll do my best sweetheart; best wait a couple of days, in case she puts two and two together. We all know how perceptive she can be.’
As Patsy walked into the kitchen, we
became silent.
‘What are you two planning?’ She laughed. ‘I’m about to make hot chocolate, it’s so good to see Ava so relaxed, she enjoys Johnboy’s company. He always makes her smile.’
‘So where have you been today Johnboy?’ Ava inquired as Coronation Street finished.
‘We’ve just come from our friend Matildas; she made dinner for us, which was very tasty.’ He replied.
‘She sounds so lovely I’d like to meet her. I’m so glad you take care of my girl son, I’ve always worried about my girl being tied up in the underworld.’
‘Crimson is very strong Ava, I’ll always take care of her, as all the boys do. Matilda takes care of her too, she’s so intuitive, and you really must meet her she’s a special lady.’
‘I know.’ She replied moonily. ‘I wish I knew Matilda, she sounds amazing.’
‘She’s a phenomenon, a truly clever lady.’ Johnboy endorsed.
‘You know my mother believes she’s a witch, such a dreadful opinion, a sweeping judgment that is meaningless, she’s never met the woman.’ Ava stated.
Thinking that Brita may appear in the room at any moment, Johnboy decided to change the subject. ‘You enjoy the television Ava?’
Seeming deep in thought Ava replied. ‘For year’s son, the wireless and television were my only friends.’ She relayed sadly. ‘Especially after poor Jimmy Burns was murdered.’
Johnboy was shocked at her declaration, he wanted to ask questions. However he realised this was not the right time. ‘Of course.’ He replied cautiously.
‘Tell me about yourself son, was life tough as a child?’
Again somewhat surprised how the conversation was heading. ‘Yes I lost my mother at the age of nine, my father worked long hours. I suppose you’d say I brought myself up on a diet of bread and jam, or dripping. However that was a long time ago.’
Patsy came back into the sitting room carrying a tray of steaming mugs of cocoa, so the conversation ended…
‘Do you watch much television Johnboy?’ Patsy asked as she handed out the cocoa.
‘Not really I prefer to read. I’m a member of the library.’
‘What type of books?’ Ava asked.
‘History, literature, in fact anything educational, my schooling was limited so I spend most of my spare time trying to gain knowledge.’
‘How impressive lad, if only everyone had your resolve.’ Ava added.
‘Hats off to you lad.’ Patsy stressed.
Brita walked back in the room, and for some reason the atmosphere changed immediately. Feeling the tension, and after wishing her good evening, Johnboy took his leave and joined Crimson and Fred in the kitchen.
‘I guess Brita’s out of the bathroom?’ Fred said with a knowing smile.
‘My grandma has a certain way about her, being Swedish do you think that’s why Fred?’
‘I’m not sure my girl, although we’re all aware of her irascible ways.’
On the way back to The Docket I brought Johnboy up to date about my conflab with Fred. I was extremely surprised when he shared the content of his interchange with my mother. It proves she’s comfortable in his company, as that’s the most she’s revealed in the past year. I’m even more certain that spending time with Matilda will be the answer. My grandma Brita, I feel is holding my mother back. She has never been the same since my granddad Eddie went on the missing list. I may only have been a child at the time, however my memory is good. ‘I think we should pay our old friend Herby Long a visit, he’s been to see mum a few times, so if we bring him up to date he’ll be able to convince mum that Matildas heart is true as steel.’
‘What about Brita?’ Johnboy probed.
‘He knows her well from the old days and true to form Herby can handle her.’ I replied with a smile. ‘Shall we go tomorrow?’
‘We’re going to seek out the Weavers residence tomorrow lass.’
‘Of course, I’d forgotten, I can still go.’
‘Is that wise girl, you’ll have no backup and we don’t have the measure of the Weavers yet.’
‘I’ll take the car and I’ll mention to Rudy where I’m going if it makes you feel better.’ I added. ‘I know Billy wants his wedding to be low-key, however I thought a meal would be in order.’
‘That sounds good, maybe in the small bar.’ Johnboy suggested.
‘You run it past Billy then, and if he agrees I’ll set it up.’
As we pulled into The Docket car park I sensed a feeling of déjà vu….that we were being watched. Now I know for certain there is no one in the club. So someone from the outside could be prying….
The following day as I walked into the Olive Tree I found Herby sitting at the end of the bar, with his old dog sleeping by his feet.
‘I’ve been thinking of you a lot girl; you must have read my thoughts.’ He said warmly. ‘Sit yourself down and I’ll get you a drink.’
‘Thanks Herby it’s lovely to see you.’ I greeted him with a kiss on the cheek. ‘I’m so sorry I haven’t seen you for a while.’
‘What will you have to drink lass?’
‘An orange juice will be fine Herby, thank you.’
‘Never apologise to me lass, you’re running the firm now and I have a good idea how much pressure you’re under.’
‘I have three very strong supportive men who help me every step of the way. All I want is to do my father justice.’
‘Oh you will lass, Matilda keeps me posted.’ He winked. ‘By the way how is Johnboy?’
‘The three of them are out on a mission today, I’ll explain later. Speaking of Matilda, I need to bring you up to date with what is taking place in our nebulous underworld.’ I took a long drink of my juice and then proceeded to explain about Brita and how we needed to take my mother to Matildas. I know he understands the urgency in me to uncover exactly what transpired while my mother was incarcerated. Herby is so fond of my mother.
‘I’ll pay Ava another visit lass, I can get away with quiet a lot with that grandma of yours, as you know I knew her well before your granddad Eddie went on the missing list. He looked thoughtful. ‘I believe Ava holds a lot of answers, although she fears for you. George Brook is still on the loose, that’s the way she’ll see it.
‘He may be, however that is only temporary, we’ve just taken on a lad to seek him out, it was no good using one of the boys as they’re too well known.’
‘Can you trust this lad?’ Herby enquired.
‘As sure as I can be Herby, he’s been helping Seb out during the last few months. Sebs a good judge of character and as you know, he was dad’s number one.’
I went on to explain the visit, and the threats I’d had from Stan Weaver. ‘Have you heard the name Herby?’
‘Funny you should say that, the name rings a bell, I’ve heard it recently. Let me ponder for a minute…the old brain cells are a bit slow at times.’ He chuckled.
‘The boys are out today trying to suss out they’re residence, so to speak.’ I finished my orange juice; I could see Herby was deep in thought.
Rubbing his face roughly with his hands, Herby said thoughtfully. ‘It’s just dawned on me girl; I overheard the name Weaver at the track the other evening.’ He tapped his nose.
He still worked at the White City dog track, and therefore picked up most of the local gossip. ‘I’ll call in your office when I have any news, and I’ll call in and see Ava tomorrow, when I finish my work.’
I bent forward and kissed his rough old cheek again. ‘I’ll look forward to that Herby and give mum my love tomorrow.’
‘I will lass, and keep looking over your shoulder.’
‘The pool club it is then!’ Seb announced as he closed the van door.
‘The most obvious I reckon.’ Billy replied.
So Johnboy headed the van towards the pool club in Shepherds bush, locally known as The Scrubs. The club had been one of George Brook’s hot spots that he’d worked from. So the most apparent place for Stan Weaver to make a claim to. The
outside was shabby and neglected to say the least, the paintwork had peeled away, and the windows hadn’t seen water since God was in short trousers. Johnboy swung the van around to the back of the building and parked in the excuse for a car park. Once inside the stale smoke hung oppressively in the air, the stench of unwashed bodies was cloying. Johnboy and Billy found an empty pool table and set up for a game…Seb headed towards the bar.
A middle aged buxom barmaid gave Seb a wide grin, allowing her stained teeth a soiled appearance.
‘Alright darling.’ Seb acknowledged her. ‘I’ll have three bottles of light ale, and take one for you.’
After placing the bottles on the bar, she helped herself to a shot of vodka which she knocked back in one gulp.
‘Thirsty girl?’ Seb asked.
‘I’m not supposed to drink on the job, new boss you see.’ She said quickly as she looked over toward the inside door.
‘Give you a hard time do they darling?’ Seb forced a grin.
‘Yeah.’ She muttered still watching.
‘Who’s taken the gaff over then girl?’ Seb probed.
‘Some bloke called Weaver, Stan Weaver, I don’t like the look of him but I need the work.’
‘Is he on his own?’
‘No there’s about five of ‘em.’
‘Keep your head down girl and you’ll be ok.’ Seb picked up the bottles and made a hasty retreat back to the boys. He didn’t like the look in her eyes, there were limits……As he’d predicted the Weavers had nabbed this place. He was aware there was a large flat above the club, getting a look at the rest of the mob was essential. Maybe an idea to send Jack Carr in, he’s unknown at present. As he was giving this notion some thought, a young bloke came out of the inside flat door. Now if it was Weavers son Seb thought to himself, the old man must have married a half decent looking bird, as this bloke certainly didn’t favour him…He handed the beers to Johnboy and Billy, and stood peering through the grimy windows. He considered the dilemma of George Brook, if the decision had been his; the man would have been wasted long ago. However he realised that Crimson had her reasons in delaying the bastard’s demise. Sixteen years her mother was incarcerated, leaving Harry A without his wife, and Crimson and Archie without a mother. Whatever she decided he, along with Johnboy and Billy would always support her. His old boss Harry A had placed his girl in charge of the firm. She had no desire to be called the boss, she’s happy the way things are. The Docket is run by a family, which includes us all, what more could we wish for.
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